Black Bear, Hope Studios, 2DUX2, and World Wide Word have released the first image of Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie in the film adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel, ‘Anxious People,’ which began shooting this week in London. The Angelina Jolie Anxious People film also features BAFTA-winner Aimee Lou Wood and three-time Emmy nominee Jason Segel.
A Complex Tale of Strangers and Unexpected Bonds
The story unfolds on the day before Christmas Eve and follows Zara, an investment banker played by Jolie, who reluctantly finds herself among a group of strangers attending an open house. When Grace, a hesitant bank robber, takes the group hostage, events spiral into a chaotic yet revealing series of confessions and exposed secrets. The plot centers on a crime that never truly happens, focusing instead on the unexpected connections formed among eight anxious individuals.
At its heart, ‘Anxious People’ explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and hope during life’s uncertain moments, blending humor and emotion in a narrative that highlights human connection despite fear and misunderstanding.
Creative Team and Production Details
The film is produced by Fredrik Wikström Nicastro of Hope Studios alongside Renée Wolfe of 2DUX2. Acclaimed director Marc Forster and Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Magee, reunited after collaborating on the Tom Hanks-led ‘A Man Called Otto’—another adaptation of Backman’s work—are executive producers, joined by Neda Backman. Black Bear and World Wide Word, a new financing branch of 2DUX2, finance the project, with Black Bear handling international sales and WME Independent representing it domestically.
Upcoming Angelina Jolie Projects and Industry Activity
Alongside this adaptation, Angelina Jolie continues to take on diverse roles, including reuniting with ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ director Doug Liman on the spy thriller ‘The Initiative,’ leading Alice Winocour’s ‘Couture’ set during Paris Fashion Week, and appearing in the full trailer for ‘Maria.’ Meanwhile, Sophie Turner has been cast as Lara Croft in Prime Video’s upcoming series adapted by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Significance of the ‘Anxious People’ Adaptation
This film marks another collaboration between key creatives adapting Fredrik Backman’s bestselling material, highlighting the expanding interest in stories that blend crime elements with intimate human drama. With Jolie’s lead role and the accomplished production team involved, the movie is poised to attract both fans of the novel and new audiences. Filming in London brings an international dimension to this heartfelt narrative of connection and resilience amid unexpected adversity.
